Waist Training

With my body measurements, it matches the criteria of the hourglass. However my body shape isn’t quite the hourglass shape I want. It’s between a rectangle/athletic and hourglass. I know if I lose another inch or two (naturally), I will get the shape I want. Ann Chery is a well known brand out there in the body shaping world and is the leading brand when it comes to waist trainers.

I have heard about this whole waist training shenanigan and was intrigued by it. Didn’t realise the Kardashians and Jenners were promoting it at the time. I did my research and ended up purchasing the genuine Ann Chery 3 Hooks Sport Latex Waist Trainer since I’d cave. This is a waist cincher, not an actual corset. I’ve read the reviews that also helped determine which size to get – small (32).

It is made out of latex with a cotton lining and you could smell the latex. It’s off-putting. Putting it on was hard. I broke a nail in the process. Was it worth it in the end? Yes and no. When worn, it did help shrink my waist down 1 and a half inches and boobs look pushed up, but there are more cons than pros. It seems to have squeezed and pushed my back fat out of the cincher, making me look broader. The band on my bras doesn’t fit properly because of this. It doesn’t give me the smooth, streamlined silhouette. I felt and looked rounder. Rather than it making me look thinner, it somehow made me look thicker than I actually am. I can’t wear my casual clothes over this unless it’s sweatpants and a loose top. I have worn it to work once in lounge clothing but could smell the latex and got paranoid that everyone else could smell it.

The first day of wearing it, I instantly hated it. Not only the above mentioned, it also did affect my breathing. I wasn’t able to take a full, deep breath properly. It was uncomfortable. I dread to think what it would be like working out with this. After the first few times of putting it on, I was able to get onto the second hook. I’ve trialled this for a month and this is what I think of it.

I’ve used this during my workouts for 2 hours. I thought it would be very restrictive in terms of movement but it did help with my posture and core stability but some exercises I couldn’t do properly. My breathing was restricted after an intense cardio workout which isn’t good. If I don’t workout, I’d wear it for 6 hours at home. Every now and again, I got a rash from it so I do have to stop wearing it for a day or so to heal up.

Due to the compression, it does make you sweat more by increasing the body temperature. Therefore you’re shedding water weight, not fat. I don’t believe this will burn fat alone and doubt there are any scientific proofs. I do admit that I did feel slimmer the next day after wearing it but I would go back to my old self after drinking water. The results are only temporary rather than permanent. This helps restrict your food intake, which is probably the only way you see some inches lost.

It is easy to just rely on this and not work out but you will end up not using your core muscles and it’d still be a midsection of fat rather than a toned stomach you’d hoped for. You can’t scoff pizza in conjunction with this. You do need to incorporate a healthy eating lifestyle with an exercise regime. There are no quick fixes or cheats in getting the body you want. This can help motivate you and show you what your body could look like. Whether you get an hourglass figure depends on your genetics and your body composition.

I did see half an inch lost around my waist. It’s something I guess, even so, I’m not disappointed yet not wowed. Never will I use this again. A healthy eating and an exercise routine is all you need to see better results. This cannot be stressed enough. Skip this completely. It’s just a fad as you cannot spot reduce.

I think corsets are fine for a temporary look, they can be quite sexy and give you a nipped in waist but I am not sure about the concept of waist training in general is for me. An interesting post though!

I'm not sure what I think of waist training – I always think of the issues we learned about those wearing corsets when I see them, however it obviously isn't like that after reading this- interesting 🙂 x

Definitely agree that these are a fad and I hope it passes quickly, they're so dangerous! Cassey from Blogilates has some great exercises that build your core muscles to "waist train" without the risks 🙂

Reminds of those old times when women used to suffer all the pain just to attract men.. when the fashion was at its peak. But this is not my kind of thing. I cant wear a top tank under my top because it so hot where i live.. this is impossible.. you are right.. let's control using exercise.

Something about the idea of trying to physically squeeze your body into a new shape definitely doesn't appeal to me. It was interesting to hear your experience though. Nothing beats a healthy lifestyle and a healthy attitude!

I think it's good for a temporary fix to fit into an outfit + look good that you really wish to wear for a special event. But for long term, it's still better to eat healthy and exercise regularly! That looks really uncomfortable!

I've heard this is SO bad for you, especially for young girls. It can lead to so many problems and is a terrible, terrible idea. Honestly, corsets are great for a few hours or a day, but to do it for a long time to "train" your waist isn't advisable. I don't think it's worth it for the inch. You are so beautiful as it is so I totally agree with you exercise beats this everyday! H x

Well, waist training is great for some women. I think, men have different ways to do to trim thei waists. Moreover, this waist training is an instant method without having to spend time at fitness shop.

You might have got the size wrong. May be a size larger might do the trick. I haven't done waist training but I own a couple of waist cinchers esp to wear under those tight fitting garments where even the slightest paunch look weird!!

I believe proper diet and exercise are definitely the best solution to making your goal possible. As for this waist training, I bet it helps but not totally. It may help you in keeping your shape provided that you just do the exercise needed.